Obituary of Col. John Paul Dempsey

Col. John Paul Dempsey USMCR Retired, was born November 13, 1928, in Bismarck, North Dakota, and died at home, November 2011, after battling pulmonary fibrosis for 7 years. A devoted husband and father, Jack was a graduate of O’Dea High School and an Eagle Scout. At 17, he joined the United States Marine Corps, serving in WWII, the Korean War, and USMC Reserves for 31 years. Member of USMC Reserve Officers’ Assoc., Marine Corps Support Group, and ROA. He was instrumental in keeping the USMC reserve unit alive in the Pacific Northwest. He attended the University of Washington, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1952, and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1957. He attended Edison Technical School in Radio & Television and was a member of the Institute of Radio Engineers. Boeing Aerospace division was his employment for 33 ½ years. Jack loved gardening, camping, and hiking with family. Survived by wife Marilyn of 56 years, children: Brian Dempsey (Janelle), Colleen Dean (Jeff) and Elaine Klein (Pat), grandchildren: Jacob, Amelia, Lauren, Dustin. Was preceded in death by grandson, Zachary Kromer. A funeral mass will be held Wed., Nov. 9, 10am, at Holy Disciples Catholic Church, 10425 187th St. E., Puyallup, WA 98374. Viewing and prelude ½ hour before service. At 2pm, a military honors service at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th St., Kent, WA 98042. Donations in Jack’s memory to Franciscan Hospice, PO Box 1502, Tacoma, WA 98401. We thank hospice for their loving care of Jack for one year. “Semper Fidelis”